Colin Kaepernick (7) smiled as the last seconds ticked off for a 49er victory Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Colin Kaepernick (7) smiled as the last seconds ticked off for a 49er victory Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers' C.J. Spillman, (27) holds Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert, (35) of the Panthers on a goal line stance, during the first quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10, in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' C.J. Spillman, (27) holds Panthers fullback Mike Tolbert, (35) of the Panthers on a goal line stance, during the first quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10, in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Donte Whitner (31) intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter sealing the 49er victory Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Donte Whitner (31) intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter sealing the 49er victory Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers' Vernon Davis, (85) pulls in a touchdown catch in second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Vernon Davis, (85) pulls in a touchdown catch in second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Colin Kaepernick, (7) looks for Vernon Davis, (85) in the end zone which turned into a touchdown during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Colin Kaepernick, (7) looks for Vernon Davis, (85) in the end zone which turned into a touchdown during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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The 49er defense holds the Panthers on a fourth down goal line stance during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10, in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

The 49er defense holds the Panthers on a fourth down goal line stance during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10, in the NFC divisional playoffs in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Mike Tolbert (35) can't score a touchdown for the Panthers in the first half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Mike Tolbert (35) can't score a touchdown for the Panthers in the first half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Anquan Boldin (81) caught a pass early in the third quarter to set up a touchdown Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Anquan Boldin (81) caught a pass early in the third quarter to set up a touchdown Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrated his sack in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrated his sack in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Ahmad Brooks (55) sacks Cam Newton of the Panthers in the second half as Greg Hardy (75) tries to defend Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Ahmad Brooks (55) sacks Cam Newton of the Panthers in the second half as Greg Hardy (75) tries to defend Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Anquan Boldin (81) is upended by Luke Kuechly (59) in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Anquan Boldin (81) is upended by Luke Kuechly (59) in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Frank Gore (21) escaped with a big gain and a first down in the second half Sunday January 14, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Frank Gore (21) escaped with a big gain and a first down in the second half Sunday January 14, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) and Vernon Davis (85) were corralled by referee Carl Cheffers after a pushing incident in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Colin Kaepernick (7) and Vernon Davis (85) were corralled by referee Carl Cheffers after a pushing incident in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Cam Newton (1) of the Panthers looked over at Dan Skuta (51) who was about to sack him in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Cam Newton (1) of the Panthers looked over at Dan Skuta (51) who was about to sack him in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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The 49ers Dan Skuta (51) sacks quarterback Cam Newton (1) but is called for excessive force and a 15 yard penalty in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

The 49ers Dan Skuta (51) sacks quarterback Cam Newton (1) but is called for excessive force and a 15 yard penalty in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Aldon Smith (99) enjoys a light moment on the bench as the game winds down Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Aldon Smith (99) enjoys a light moment on the bench as the game winds down Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Mike Iupati (77) waved to fans at Bank of America stadium Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Mike Iupati (77) waved to fans at Bank of America stadium Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick, (7) reacts after further review of a catch by the 49ers Vernon Davis, was ruled a touchdown, during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick, (7) reacts after further review of a catch by the 49ers Vernon Davis, was ruled a touchdown, during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) pulls down a first down catch while being covered by the Panthers' Melvin White, (23) during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers Michael Crabtree, (15) pulls down a first down catch while being covered by the Panthers' Melvin White, (23) during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) tries to get outside on a third quarter run, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) tries to get outside on a third quarter run, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Panthers' head coach Ron Rivera, (left) and 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh meet after the San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

Panthers' head coach Ron Rivera, (left) and 49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh meet after the San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) joins in a prayer cicle at the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) joins in a prayer cicle at the end of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Frank Gore, (21) picks up a first down in the fourth quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Frank Gore, (21) picks up a first down in the fourth quarter as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Phil Dawson, (9) puts three more points on the scoreboard making 23-10 in the fourth quarter,as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Phil Dawson, (9) puts three more points on the scoreboard making 23-10 in the fourth quarter,as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Dan Skuta, (51) sacks Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton, (1) in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Dan Skuta, (51) sacks Panthers' quarterback Cam Newton, (1) in the fourth quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Donte Whitner, (31) runs with a fourth quarter interception as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Donte Whitner, (31) runs with a fourth quarter interception as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Donte Whitner, (31) runs with a fourth quarter interception as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Donte Whitner, (31) runs with a fourth quarter interception as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Kendall Hunter, (32) runs for a fourth quarter first down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Kendall Hunter, (32) runs for a fourth quarter first down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) on a first quarter run, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' quarterback Colin Kaepernick, (7) on a first quarter run, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Aldon Smith, (99) keeps pressure on Panther quarterback Cam Newton, (1) during the first half, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Aldon Smith, (99) keeps pressure on Panther quarterback Cam Newton, (1) during the first half, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh yells to officials in the first half, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh yells to officials in the first half, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh argues the Vernon Davis catch near the end of the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' head coach Jim Harbaugh argues the Vernon Davis catch near the end of the second quarter, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Tarrell Brown, (25) gets beat by the Panthers' Steve Smith, (89) for a first half touchdown as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Tarrell Brown, (25) gets beat by the Panthers' Steve Smith, (89) for a first half touchdown as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers' Glenn Dorsey, (90) and NaVorro Bowman, (53) stop Panthers' quarterback short of the goal lline on a second quarter run, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Glenn Dorsey, (90) and NaVorro Bowman, (53) stop Panthers' quarterback short of the goal lline on a second quarter run, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Anquan Boldin (81) celebrated a big catch in the third quarter Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Anquan Boldin (81) celebrated a big catch in the third quarter Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Colin Kaepernick (7) ran over the goal line for a touchdown early in the third quarter Sunday January 12, 2014. Luke Kuechly (59) tried to defend. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

Colin Kaepernick (7) ran over the goal line for a touchdown early in the third quarter Sunday January 12, 2014. Luke Kuechly (59) tried to defend. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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NaVaorro Bowman (53) forced a sack of Panther quarterback Cam Newton in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance to the NFC title game against Seattle. less

NaVaorro Bowman (53) forced a sack of Panther quarterback Cam Newton in the second half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in Charlotte, North Carolina to advance ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers' Ahmad Brooks, (550 gets across the line a little too soon as the Panthers lined up on a fourth down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Ahmad Brooks, (550 gets across the line a little too soon as the Panthers lined up on a fourth down, as the San Francisco 49ers went on to beat the Carolina Panthers 23-10 in the NFC divisional playoffs ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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San Francisco's head coach Jim Harbaugh, reacts after further review of a catch by the 49ers Vernon Davis, which was ruled a touchdown, during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

San Francisco's head coach Jim Harbaugh, reacts after further review of a catch by the 49ers Vernon Davis, which was ruled a touchdown, during the second quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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The Panthers Cam Newton (1) can't score on a keeper in the first half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

The Panthers Cam Newton (1) can't score on a keeper in the first half Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Steve Smith (89) of the Panthers makes a first half touchdown reception over Tarell Brown (25) Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

Steve Smith (89) of the Panthers makes a first half touchdown reception over Tarell Brown (25) Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Michael Crabtree (15) had a big catch late in the second quarter Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

Michael Crabtree (15) had a big catch late in the second quarter Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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49ers' Patrick Willis, (52) incepts a pass intended for Greg OLsen, (88) during the first quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers' Patrick Willis, (52) incepts a pass intended for Greg OLsen, (88) during the first quarter as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Captain Munnerlyn #41 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) less

Michael Crabtree #15 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled by Captain Munnerlyn #41 of the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at Bank of America Stadium on January ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick,(7) during warm ups before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick,(7) during warm ups before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49er receiver Vernon Davis, (85) warms up before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49er receiver Vernon Davis, (85) warms up before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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A view of Cam Newton's "SuperCam" cleats during warmups before the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

A view of Cam Newton's "SuperCam" cleats during warmups before the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Grant Halverson / Getty Images

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49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh stays loose before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh stays loose before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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49ers owner, John York, passes out pins to fans before the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49ers owner, John York, passes out pins to fans before the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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San Francisco 49ers fan Pedro Torrales poses outside the stadium prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

San Francisco 49ers fan Pedro Torrales poses outside the stadium prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on January 12, 2014 in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, left and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton embrace before the first half of a divisional playoff NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/John Bazemore) less

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, left and Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton embrace before the first half of a divisional playoff NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014, in Charlotte, ... more

Photo: John Bazemore / Associated Press

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49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during warm ups before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

49er quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during warm ups before the start of the game, as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Anthoney Davis, (24) rallies his teammates Quinton Patton, (11), Kendall Hunter, (32), Perrish Cox, (20), and LaMichael James, (23) as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the NFC divisional playoffs in Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12, 2014, at Bank of America stadium. less

Anthoney Davis, (24) rallies his teammates Quinton Patton, (11), Kendall Hunter, (32), Perrish Cox, (20), and LaMichael James, (23) as the San Francisco 49ers prepare to take on the Carolina Panthers in the ... more

Photo: Michael Macor / The Chronicle

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Danny Morgan and his daugher Brianna watched the 49ers warm up. They traveled from Ohio to root for their team Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

Danny Morgan and his daugher Brianna watched the 49ers warm up. They traveled from Ohio to root for their team Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Fans cheered on the 49ers as they took the field Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

Fans cheered on the 49ers as they took the field Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Two fans, Tony Langley (right) and his friend Ronnie watched the 49ers warm up Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. less

Two fans, Tony Langley (right) and his friend Ronnie watched the 49ers warm up Sunday January 12, 2014. The San Francisco 49ers take on the Carolina Panthers in a divisional playoff game at Bank of America ... more

Photo: Brant Ward / The Chronicle

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Seattle, here they come: 49ers advance to NFC title game with 23-10 win at Carolina

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CHARLOTTE – The stage is set for Seattle.

The 49ers beat the Panthers, 23-10, in a divisional-playoff game Sunday at Bank of America Stadium to advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they will face the Seahawks at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 in Seattle. The 49ers, who have advanced to three straight NFC title games, have lost by a combined score of 71-16 in their past two road games against the Seahawks, their bitter NFC West rivals.

Before looking ahead, however, they’ll savor their first divisional-playoff win on the road since 1970. The 49ers snapped a four-game losing streak in such games thanks to stellar performances from wide receiver Anqaun Boldin (8 catches, 136 yards) and a defense that had two goal-line stands in the first half, held the Panthers scoreless in the final 33 minutes and received interceptions from linebacker Patrick Willis and safety Donte Whitner.

Colin Kaepernick (196 passing yards) had passing touchdown and a rushing score and running back Frank Gore had 67 of his 84 yards in the second half. The 49ers, who managed 10 first downs and a season-low 151 yards in a 10-9 loss to Carolina on Nov. 10, had 21 first downs and 315 yards.

The 49ers led 13-10 at halftime and earned some breathing room on their first drive of the second half. Their eight-play, 77-yard march was highlighted by Kaepernick’s 45-yard toss to Boldin, who beat cornerback Captain Munnerlyn down the right sideline to Carolina’s two-yard line. Two plays later, Kaepernick scored on a four-yard run, which he punctuated by mimicking the “Superman” end-zone celebration of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton before giving his left biceps a trademark kiss.

The Panthers grabbed a 7-6 lead early in the second quarter on Newton’s perfectly placed 31-yard pass down the left sideline to Steve Smith, who was blanketed by cornerback Tarell Brown.

Trailing 10-6, the 49ers embarked on a 12-play, 80-yard drive highlighted by Boldin, who had receptions of 12, 14 and 15 yards. On 2nd-and-goal, Kaepernick rolled right and fired a strike to tight end Vernon Davis in the back of the end zone. Davis was initially ruled out of bounds, but the call was overtuned following a lengthy review.